President elect preaches his 'tech' mission for USF

Father Paul J. Fitzgerald

SAN FRANCISCO:   University of San Francisco (USF) has elected a 'tech-savvy' reverend to the position of President.

Fr. Fitzgerald, who originally hails from Los Gatos but moved to Southern California as a child has already promised to make it his personal mission to strengthen the links between the university and the Bay Area's burgeoning technology community.

USF Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect him as the University's 28th president on Tuesday.


"When I received word I was selected as president, I was absolutely elated," Fr. Fitzgerald said. "USF has an impressive legacy. The chance to contribute to this environment of learning and service is a true honor."

TECH EXPANSION
He gained first-hand knowledge of Silicon Valley during his 12 years at Santa Clara University. He also understands that Silicon Valley is now moving north, and that the City of San Francisco is now a vibrant center for startups, venture capital, and related industries. 

Fitzgerald has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, and is currently the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fairfield University in Connecticut. 

He was previously the associate dean at Santa Clara University, and also served on several university boards including the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College,  the Board of Trustees of Loyola University Chicago, and the Board of Trustees of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

ORDINATION
Fr. Fitzgerald was ordained to the priesthood at St. Ignatius Church on the USF campus in 1992.
He gained first-hand knowledge of the Silicon Valley during his 12 years at Santa Clara University.

He is fluent in German and French and also speaks some Spanish. He has lived, taught, and studied overseas in China and in Kenya. He also holds a PhD in the Sociology of Religion from the University of Paris - La Sorbonne, and a Pontifical Doctorate in ecclesiology from the Institut Catholique de Paris.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
"We believe Fr. Fitzgerald is ideally suited to work with the entire USF community in delivering a Jesuit education to the next generations of USF students," said Thomas E. Malloy, chair of the USF Board of Trustees.

"He has a strong commitment to diversity, brings a global perspective, and is an enthusiastic supporter of intercollegiate athletics. He is excited about leading San Francisco's first university and expanding our partnerships with the community."

Fitzgerald succeeds Stephen A. Privett, S.J., who has served as USF's president from 2000 to 2014—making him the third longest serving president in university history.

Fr. Fitzgerald will officially take up the post on August 1st.

---